Innovation in the Washington County Clerk’s office continues by expanding payment options to include credit and debit cards.
Previously, the only payment options available in the county clerk’s office was with cash, money orders or cashier’s checks. As of Thursday, March 9th, the office now has the capabilities to accept credit and debit card.
“We are innovating to make our clerk’s office more accessible because it’s what our county deserves,” said Clerk Sarah Milligan. “I’ve always felt government and office holders should continually be working to provide the best, most quality service to the public, and that is what I intend to aspire towards during my time as clerk.”
Clerk Milligan said she is always looking to make utilizing the clerk’s office more convenient for Washington County residents and believes that expanding a person’s ability to pay does just that.
After researching options, Milligan found an opportunity through Gov-Pay, a business which offers premium electronic payment options for government offices.
Using Gov-Pay comes at no cost to the office or to the county. They provide free, state-of-the-art equipment to accept credit/debit card payments at the counter and online.
“In the past, we have had so many individuals come to pay traffic tickets or pay down their court fees and do not have cash on hand,” explains Clerk Deputy Brehanna Wilcoxson. “We would always have to direct them to the nearest ATM across the street, but now that is no longer a limitation for the public and for our office.”
Gov-Pay requires a minimum payment of $3.00 per transaction. Though this vender does not charge any transaction fees to the county for using the equipment, a convenience fee is applied to the “principle” payment amount.
The convenience fee is applied and paid by the cardholder or the check accountholder. Those fees vary depending on your form of payment.
- 1.95% of transaction amount for debit cards with a pin number;
- 2.5% of transaction amount for credit card or debit card;
If you make a payment by cash, money order, or cashier’s checks you will not have a transaction fee or charge added to your end balance.
